Don and Christina go to Donner Ski Ranch
What turned out to be our first day of skiing in the mountians, turned out to be quite an adventure! We left about 7:15 am in hopes to be at the hill slightly after 9 am. Just pass the Cisco exit at mile marker 172 elevation about 6500 feet, a squad car came from the center and began to slow down traffic by weaving back and forth. It had begun to snow just a few miles back. As we approached the next exit, we where brought to a stop. My first thought was that a decision to require chains was going to be enacted. I got out of the car and went to the front (about 100 yards) and asked what was up. They informed us an accident had occured involving a car over a cliff and that it could be several hours before the highway reopened. They also informed me that chains would be required to pass. FLASHBACK…. It’s Monday and I am in NAPA getting some new windshield wipers for Rose’s car…SHOULD I buy some chains as well???? Nah, I won’t need them…… So I walk to the nearest exit, about a half a mile and purchase some chains at the going rate which does not really matter because I am buying them at any price. I walk back to my car with my proud purchase in hand and begin the process of putting chains on my car for the first time in my life. It actually went quite well. After finishing that and help move traffic so a plow could get through, the traffic began to flow. What do you know, our exit was only one mile down the road! We exit I80 and get on to a narrow Historic Ca 40 that takes us to Donner and Sugar Bowl. The snowbanks are 10 feet high on both sides of the road, houses are buried. We arrive at Donner for a storm filled day of exploring the front of the mountain as only two runs are operating due to high winds(and few people) It stormed all day, we skied non stop and packed it in about 3 pm. I found my car in the lot and began the treck back to I80, hoping it was open. It was, we had to go 30 mph for the first 20+ miles, down to about 4000 feet elevation. Sure enough, the snow turned in to rain and by 2000 feet there was no left on the car to show that we had braved the winter storm! Donner Ranch seems like a nice place, I am going back up Thursday and or Saturday to meet the patrol. It is strange to experience a winter storm, then drive back to 50 degree weather and no snow. Christina and I had a great time. Blake called me and tol me I was crazy for sending him through Colorado. Seems he thought the hills were to big! Oh Well. Be sure to check out the pictures at thepostles.com All for now!
Don